Just to stir, or shake, up the discussion: Isn't Vodka by law have to be tasteless, colorless, and odorless?

no. only American made Vodka is subject to those laws. Imported vodka may have up to 2.5% "various ingredients" added that do not have to appear on the label. However, if you've ever had Koenig Potato Vodka from Idaho, which has a fairly obvious potato aroma and flavor, you have to come to the conclusion that the legal threshold for odorless and tasteless is not too hard to pass.

Just to stir, or shake, up the discussion: Isn't Vodka by law have to be tasteless, colorless, and odorless?

no. only American made Vodka is subject to those laws. Imported vodka may have up to 2.5% "various ingredients" added that do not have to appear on the label. However, if you've ever had Koenig Potato Vodka from Idaho, which has a fairly obvious potato aroma and flavor, you have to come to the conclusion that the legal threshold for odorless and tasteless is not too hard to pass.

usually vodka served neat is taken as a shot. But it's not uncommon to drink the shot in two half shots so as to reli**** a bit longer. That's about as close to sipping vodka as one finds, which is hardly sipping to a whiskey drinker, but it's sipping to a vodka drinker.

Also, one would most likely sip a vodka martini, which is simply dirty vodka. I find I can sip any of those flavored vodkas if served neat or with once piece of ice in a martini glass.